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Lake Okeechobee

Discussion in 'General Yachting Discussion' started by Capt Ralph, May 27, 2026 at 6:07 PM.

  1. Capt Ralph, May 27, 2026 at 6:07 PM
    #1
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Planning on another Tortuga trip this summer.
    In summer 2004, we made the trip and idle speed tapped bottom around the rock piles a few times.
    Not a clue what the official levels were then but was not expecting this shallow.

    Looking for local knowledge. We idle in 5 feet.
    Props just back from the shop.
    Will we have water mid July?

    USACE Jacksonville District
    Today's Lake Okeechobee Stage = 11.20 feet
    but
    Today's Route 1 Navigational Depth ≈ 5.14 Feet

    Where is a 11.2' passage?
  2. Capt Harry, May 28, 2026 at 9:00 AM
    #2
    Capt Harry

    Capt Harry New Member

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    Heyy Ralph,
    slight correction to your inquiry....
    There is no 11.2 ft passage depth anywhere in Route 1. That number is lake elevation above datum, not water under keel.
    Happy sailing!
  3. Capt Ralph, May 28, 2026 at 9:18 AM
    #3
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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    Yep, I figured that out last night.
    Thx for your help.

    I fear in July, The lake will be lower.
  4. Pascal, May 28, 2026 at 9:39 AM
    #4
    Pascal

    Pascal Senior Member

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    Levels are usually at their lowest in the spring then start rising in June July. See last 12 month graph

    https://www.saj.usace.army.mil/Media/Images/igphoto/2001962361/

    another possible issues are lock closure for maintenance usually in the summer

    I ve done the OWW a few times, I like it. Very peaceful and rural.
  5. Capt Harry, May 28, 2026 at 9:51 AM
    #5
    Capt Harry

    Capt Harry New Member

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    Anytime! I get how it gets confusing sometimes.
    Oh and as @Pascal mentioned, it does start rising by July. Though it really comes down to how much summer rain the area gets till then.
    I recommend that you keep your eye on the USACE updates as we get closer to July. Hopefully it lines up like it typically does, but definitely worth planning with a bit of margin given how shallow some of those stretches can be.
  6. Capt Ralph, May 28, 2026 at 4:51 PM
    #6
    Capt Ralph

    Capt Ralph Senior Member

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